Emissions Site To Close For Now

November 07, 1994|By DANA TOFIG; Courant Staff Writer

NEWINGTON — The emissions testing site in Newington will close for more than a month for federally mandated renovations and improvements.

The closing is part of the state Department of Motor Vehicles' efforts to update all its facilities by April 1, 1995, which is when the federal Enhanced Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program begins.

New equipment will be installed to provide more accurate testing for modern computerized vehicles.

``We have 19 emissions sites in the state,'' said Andrew W. Nelson III, a spokesman for the motor vehicles department. ``Each one is to be closed temporarily . . . to bring them up to speed on the new federally mandated testing.''

Since August, nine emissions stations have been closed, renovated and reopened, Nelson said. Over the next few weeks, testing sites in Newington, East Windsor, North Haven and Brooklyn are closing.

The Newington testing station will close on Nov. 22 and reopen on Jan. 9.

Nelson said that people can have their cars tested up to 90 days before the expiration date on their window sticker.

So, Nelson said, people who have expiration dates in November and December and use the Newington site should have their cars tested now. In order to handle any increase in the number of cars, a mobile testing site will be set up at the Newington station until Nov. 22, providing two extra testing bays.

Also, the East Hartford facility, at 160 Tolland St., will be open on two Mondays, Nov. 14 and Nov. 28, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to handle any overflow. Usually, emission testing sites are closed on Mondays.

After the Newington site closes, motorists can use the East Hartford site; the Farmington site, at 1536 New Britain Ave.; the Middletown site, at 1885 S. Main St.; and the Bloomfield site at 110 Granby St.

The new federal program, which begins April 1, is expected to lower Connecticut's vehicle-generated air pollution significantly, DMV officials said.

The upgrade will also add seven testing sites around the state, practically double the number of testing bays available, and increase hours of operation from 45 hours a week to 60 hours a week.

Under the new program, the emissions sticker will be good for two years and will cost $20.

Additional information is available by calling the Emissions Hotline at 1-800-842-2000.